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Client Server Architecture

Client/Server Architecture

The Client/Server model is a distributed network architecture where clients and servers perform distinct roles in providing services and resources. It's a foundation for most networked applications.

Key Components:

  1. Client:

    • Requests services or resources from the server.
    • Typically, it is a device (computer, smartphone, etc.) with an application that requests data (e.g., web browser, email client).
    • Clients don’t provide services but act as users of services.

    • Server:

    • Provides resources or services requested by the client.

    • Servers are more powerful machines designed to handle multiple client requests (e.g., web servers, file servers, database servers).
    • Servers don’t initiate requests; they wait for client requests.

How It Works:

  1. The client sends a request (usually through a network protocol like HTTP for web servers).
  2. The server receives the request, processes it, and sends back the requested data or response.
  3. The client then uses the data it receives from the server.

Characteristics:

  • Centralized Resources: Servers typically maintain the resources (e.g., databases, files), which clients access.
  • Scalability: Multiple clients can connect to one or more servers. Servers can be scaled up or replicated to handle more clients.
  • Security & Control: Servers control access to resources, enforcing permissions and managing security.

Examples:

  • Web Browsing: The browser (client) sends an HTTP request to a web server, which processes and returns the webpage.
  • Email Systems: The email client requests messages from an email server (e.g., IMAP/SMTP).
  • Database Access: A database client queries the database server for records.

Advantages:

  • Centralized management: Easier to manage and secure data, backups, and updates.
  • Resource efficiency: Servers can be optimized to handle specific tasks (e.g., serving web pages, handling database queries).
  • Scalability: Additional servers can be added to distribute the load if necessary.

Disadvantages:

  • Single point of failure: If the server goes down, all clients are affected.
  • Server overload: If too many clients request services at the same time, the server may become overwhelmed, leading to performance issues.

In summary, Client/Server architecture provides a structured way for clients to request and servers to provide services over a network, typically in a scalable, manageable, and secure manner.